Daily Inspiration: Meet Marie Brenda Barthelemy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Brenda Barthelemy.

Hi Marie Brenda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m 31 years old. I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada in a typical Haitian household of five girls, with me being the youngest. As you may know, the youngest doesn’t really get their voice heard (to make it funny, even worst when you’re Haitian)

Doing my best to fit in, I took the path that was expected for me, which was: being in a serious relationship at a young age (17), became a nurse, got engaged and shortly after, I got my son (my proud and joy) for some of you and most of my family members would be under the impression that I was complete, but I always had an itch and found myself doing financial advisor on my free time.

In 2015, just when I was gathering myself for a family trip to Niagara Falls, I came across an opportunity to live a life-changing experience. one of the biggest financial conventions given every four years in Atlanta, Georgia. So I took a leap of faith, packed my bags and Georgia Peach I was!

Where in a week spend I had enlightening motivational speeches, witness a lot of women empowerment (far from my family’s way of thinking) the energy, vibe and surrounding of 40 thousand people in the same mindset (success, overcoming obstacles, facing fears) sharing past and present experiences alongside future ambitions, Blew me away!

Now you guys can imagine how my mindset was awaken on my way back to Montreal. As soon as I came back, I didn’t waste no time (couple of weeks later). I pressed the reset button! Called off the engagement, quit my job, I even quit the financial advisor thing (crazy uh!)

I realized that I always wanted to work at Mc Cosmetics and tap into my artistic side. I applied, got the job, worked there for three years, then from there to Sephora. I became the Fenty beauty ambassador. Only a year later (2021) I got my first position as the lead makeup artist of a documentary film and from that, the rest is history!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing comes easy! Overwhelmed by the drastic changes, I suffered from depression & dark thoughts! I was conflicted with my new ambitions and my past. At some point, I didn’t even had enough money to provide for my daily needs, lots of self-doubts…

With the help of meditation, self-reflection and personal development, I was able to dig deep within me to find my calling! That’s why I kept the faith and kept going.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a lead makeup artist for film and television, and I specialize in luxurious makeup applications. I’m also a certified life coach, a plus-size model and an abstract painter.

What am I most proud of: The grand premiere of the first movie I did (This House from Myriam Charles) as a lead makeup artist was nominated in the prestigious Berlin international film festival – Berlinale.

What sets me apart from others: I’m an outside the box thinker and I want to provide an artistic experience. I also have this ability to connect deeply with people.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Having integrity and a pure heart with good intentions! My heart beats in everything I do, contrary to those driven by fame & money.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lookartherstudio/ 

Image Credits
Dimitri Finko – Photographer (Paris) @Tim_mcbaj – London photographer